If the distance between the plates of parallel plates condenser is increased, its potential will:
Correct answer: B. Increase
- A. Remain the same
- B. Increase
- C. Decrease
- D. Decrease exponentially
Explanation
When the distance between the plates of a parallel plate capacitor is increased, the capacitance (C) decreases, given a constant charge (Q) on the plates. According to the formula for electric potential difference, V = Q/C, as capacitance decreases, the potential difference V must increase to maintain the relationship. Therefore, the correct answer is that the potential will increase. Options A, C, and D are incorrect as they misrepresent the fundamental relationship between distance and potential difference in a capacitor. Specifically, Option A suggests no change, Option C suggests a decrease, and Option D incorrectly states an exponential relationship.
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Electrostatics describes forces between charges through Coulomb's law, electric fields and field intensity, then uses electric potential to measure energy per unit charge. Capacitors store charge and electrical energy, with capacitance depending on geometry and dielectric material, not simply on the amount of charge present.
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